And tell him, Thomas, that Platt had better drive the carriage." The under gardener touched his cap and hastened away on his errand.

Miss Heredith leisurely resumed her walk to the house, stopping occasionally to pluck up any weed which had the temerity to show its head in the trim flower-beds which dotted the wide expanse of lawn between the moat and the house.

She entered the house through the porch door, and proceeded to the housekeeper's apartments.
Her knock at the door was answered by a very pretty girl, tall and dark, who flushed at the sight of Miss Heredith, and stood aside for her to enter.

A middle-aged woman, with a careworn face and large grey eyes, dressed in black silk, was seated by the window sewing.

She rose and came forward when she saw her visitor.